December 31

Another year has come and gone! My goodness... I think this is the fastest year ever! I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and have great plans to ring in the new year. Sister Forbush (a housemate) has amazing plans to ring in the new year at 10pm so we can make our 10:30 curfew.... Party it up as missionaries!

We had a great Christmas! Christmas Eve we spent with Bishop Thompson and his family. They had BBQ take-out so it was very reminiscent of home. After we stuffed ourselves silly we had a program put on by his family. Each of the kids performed a musical selection and we watched a Mormon Message and sang songs and read the Nativity. It was great night. His family gave us Kansas City Chief shirts for which I was very grateful; I didn't want to buy my own! They wanted us to have something to remember Kansas City by.

Christmas morning we had breakfast at the VC with all the other Sisters, senior couples, office staff, facilities management personnel, and President and Sister Keyes. We (sister missionaries) acted out the Nativty for everyone and had a sing along. President Keyes read a book that he had written. It was a really fun morning. When we were done we quickly drove to the Perry's home where we opened presents with them. It was really fun. Each member of their family had gotten us a gift. Super sweet of them and a great way to spend the morning. While S. Harward skyped her family S. Weng and I got to know the Perry's better. For lunch we headed back to our house and ate what we had available--mostly sugary stuff. I didn't eat really well because a member family was suppose to send dinner kind of early. We were at the VC by 3pm. It was a really slow night. All the Sisters took turns skyping. Best part of the day! I loved seeing those of you I could and am sad I missed the rest of you. I got a little personal study done then got distracted by the brain teasers the Godfrey's had brought for us. (Only day they'd do that--it was incredibly slow--2 people in 6 hours). [Oh, yeah! Someone try to find the game IZZI for me, k?] Time flew by and before I realized it I was starving but we couldn't get a hold of our members. We sent texts and left voicemails. Around 8:30pm we heard from them... THEY FORGOT! So, yeah... My Christmas dinner consisted of tamales leftover from another ward. Yum! The family that was supposed to feed us redeemed themselves on Sunday night. However... We will probably never let them live it down.

It was a good day. The rest of the week we worked hard to find those who were prepared to hear the gospel. We did our best but it was a slow week. We had a great day at church on Sunday and had a good day yesterday. Heavenly Father is really blessing us for our efforts. I'm really grateful for this opportunity to be a missionary. I know I needed to wait until later to go. It's been a blessing in my life that I definitely needed now. I'm grateful to be at the VC. Not only because it is warm inside but also because of the things I am learning here and the people I get to meet. Yesterday, S. Harward and I got to take 2 young men on a presentation. Neither one of them was a member of the church. We had a great discussion with them and planted a huge seed. They didn't leave their info with us but I know that one day they will read the Book of Mormon we gave them and have a desire to learn more.

This gospel is true! Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer. He loves each and everyone of us. He knows who we are and what we need to accomplish and overcome the things set before us. I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God. I know President Monson is a prophet sent to lead and guide us. I know that our family is so great and such a wonderful blessing to me--and each of us! I love you all and so grateful for each of you. You have all blessed my life in countless ways! I LOVE YOU!!

Sister Wilson

 

 

1--Christmas chaos

2--Our Christmas nativity

3--Fun!

 

 

December 24

MERRY CHRISTMAS, EVERYONE!!! I hope you all are having a good day and remembering the Spirit of Christ today. Since I will be talking with a lot of you tomorrow this isn't going to be real long.

I wanted to take a minute this Christmas season to bear my testimony of the Savior. I had to do this on 14 December at a Christmas program us Sisters put on at the VC.... In fact, I think I've even got it on DVD. I'm sure you are all so excited to see that, huh?

Anyway, I've been thinking a lot lately about the song "Mary, Did you Know?" At sing along I went to I had the opportunity to listen to/read the words and they stuck with me. I think about the little Christ child born in a manger and wrapped in swaddling clothes. Do we know that He walked on water? Do we know that He gave sight to the blind? Do we know that He is the Son of God? The song goes on but I don't have the words right here with me. But they touched my heart. How much do we really know? Have we asked our Heavenly Father to tell us of these truths? Do we know those things our Savior did for us? As I see the Christus every day I think about the Atonement and what it does for me. I know that our Savior lives and loves each one of us. I know that He is always there waiting for us to lay our burdens at His feet. I know He wants to help us. I know He loves and cares for each one of us. I know that He has a plan for me. I know that His expectations for me are so much higher than I have for myself and He has a way prepared for us to accomplish those things. I know that this gospel is true. I know that through our Savior Jesus Christ is the only way for us to find that peace and happiness that we are looking for. I know that we are children of God. I know that we are here to be tested and tried; to find our way by faith rather than by sight. I know that we are led by a living prophet today. I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God translated by the power of God. I know our Savior lives.

I love each of you. Have a very merry Christmas.

Love,

Sister Wilson

P.S. I survived yet another transfer in the Lee's Summit 2nd Ward; looks like I'm gonna die here. S. Weng is still with me and S. Harward joined us. LOVE YOU!

Pics...

1--Christmas Eve dinner (at Olive Garden) with the Stevenson's!! (S. Stevenson, Me, S. Weng, S. Harward, E. Stevenson)

2--We did service but S. Weng forgot her shoes and S. Harward forgot to bring her shirt. We were an interesting group for the day.

3--All the VC Sisters from last transfer

 

 

December 17

My goodness. I really have no idea where time gets to. Christmas cards are coming, I promise. Hopefully I'll get them in the mail today. Have I told you lately how much I love each one of you? I really, honestly, truly do. You have each touched and blessed my life in so many ways I cannot even begin to count them all. I love you all and hope you have a fantastic holiday season.

Well... I was somewhat frustrated with myself this week and the lack of work that our key indicators show. But, thankfully, it's not all about numbers. It's about quality, not quantity. Monday we had some appointments scheduled but they all cancelled. #lifeofamissionary It was okay, though. We had a good dinner with Sister Ferry. She had her granddaughters there. She wanted us to watch/hold/play with them while she finished dinner. Unfortuneately we couldn't do that (even as much as we wanted to) so we made the rest of dinner instead. It was good; she really needed our help.

Tuesday was a fantastic pday.... Didn't do much; it was great.

Wednesday was a mission wide zone conference. SO COOL! It is an amazing sight to see 280+ missionaries in one place. The spirit was amazing; the trainings were great. I had the opportunity to bear my testimony in front of all of them as this was my last zone conference. It was an intimidating experience but one for which I was grateful. We took a mission photo, which was amazing organzied for having 280 people involved. After lunch we had a Christmas program that was put on by each zone in the mission. It was a great day. Christmas packages were passed out. Thank you, everyone. It's ridiculous how much I'm loved. I forgot to get a picture but I will before I open everything. S. Weng got some packages, too... For some reason she associates everything weird with me. (Oddly enough the return address had been blacked off her packages. Haha!) It's been ridiculously hard to keep her from opening them. I am bound and determined to help her have a good American Christmas and that means not opening presents until the 25th. I hear about it all the time. After the mission conference I went on exchanges to the Blue Springs 1st Ward with Sister Lee. It's always an interesting experience being in someone elses area; always makes me grateful for what I have back in my ward.

Thursday afternoon I got back from exchanges and went to dinner at the other Ferry's house. It was great; I love that family. She loaded us up with cookies and goodies and food. We did our weekly planning that night.

Friday we were suppose to do a lot of service and help set up for the ward Christmas party. BUT... It was freezing rain so our parking lot was like an ice rink. The mission fleet was grounded and we couldn't go anywhere. We did end up walking next door to help Danyell set up for her wedding; so we did get some service in. After studies and lunch we finished weekly planning and did some missionary work via phone. We were not able to get to our ward Christmas party. Our zone leaders and President Keyes wanted us to stay close to home because they didn't know what the weather would do. So we went to Danyell and Jack's wedding instead. Yeah! They are married and one year from now I can come back and go through the temple with them!!! It was a great way to end the night.

Saturday we got out later than we wanted to because of freezing temperatures the night before. We knocked on a lot of doors but didn't have much luck with anyone answering... guess they were all out Christmas shopping? That evening was our Christmas performance at the VC that we have been preparing for for 5 weeks. It was really great. I had about 2 minutes notice before it started that I needed to bear my testimony... Okay, I had about an hour's notice because the Spirit told me but I chose not to think about it.... Won't do that again. The performance was great. I really enjoyed being a part of it... Not in the spotlight, though. I don't like that. Elder Simper recorded the whole thing so I hope to get a DVD to share with you all.

Sunday is still my favorite day. Church. Visit some people. Dinner with the Laudie family. I love it! Monday was a great day, too. Taught 2 lessons and found a new investigator. Great way to start a week!

Well, I love each of you. I'm so grateful to be able to remember Christ this Christmas and the sacrifice He made for us. Remember to serve those around you and help them feel of the love our Heavenly Father has for them. I know Christ lives and loves each one of us. Thanks for all you do for me! LOVE YOU!

Sister Wilson

(P.S. Transfers are on Thursday but I shouldn't be moving...crazier things have happened, though. Pday should still be on Tuesday!)

Pics...

1--S. Harward, Me, Jack, Danyell, S. Smith, S. Weng, S. Medel

2--Me and S. Weng; Love this girl!

3--Me and Danyell

 

 

Dec 10

Hey... I love you all. I honestly and truly do. I don't know what I would do without each of you in my life. I want you to know that I know that this gospel is true. I know Christ is my Savior and Redeemer. I know that He loves each one of us and wants us to return to live with Him. I cannot even begin to cover how each one of you has touched and blessed my life. You are my support team for which I will be forever grateful.

We have had a relatively normal week as far a missionary work goes. Last Wednesday we were on exchanges; Sister Liu came to Lee's Summit 2nd Ward with us. Not as successful as we were hoping but we did get to visit Mona, a less active member. She is super sweet. Always super happy to see us. That night the visitor center closed early so all the Sisters could head over the to the stake center (next door) for a dinner provided by the Independence Stake. We provided the entertainment. Us Sisters played bells and the Elders acted out the nativity. Kind of funny.

Thursday we did our planning and froze because no one answered the door. We had our first performance at the VC that night. It was fun. Felt more like Christmas than it has to this point. We had a sing along; I loved that. Got to sit by the Stevenson's; best day every!

Friday we had zone training, which I always love. The Elders were kind of mad at me (not really but it makes the story great). For our mission wide zone conference tomorrow someone had signed me up to sing a solo (HA!) which gets the Elders out of doing anything. I told them I'd be happy to do so but only if our zone leader would sing a solo, too. Knew I was pretty safe on that one. So, now, the entire zone is singing a musical number. Probably not their favorite person right now but I thought we should all get to share in the joy of the season. Friday afternoon/evening we had 2 member present lessons and found 2 new investigators. GREAT DAY! We were also able to teach Shayla, an 11-year-old girl and her brother. It was a good day.

Saturday was a visitor center day until 3pm... Not too many people came in. We had dinner with the Blake family. We got to be there as Tiffany opened her mission call. It brought back so many memories. We went around visiting people then noticed our phone was missing. We went back to the Blake's but couldn't find it. SIster Medel has super hearing because she was able to find it in some leaves where our car had been parked. Miracle! However, she doesn't hold the phone anymore...

As always, I love Sunday. Shayla came to church with her brother. We are visiting them again tonight. We got fed dinner. And it was the Christmas Devotional... No longer the First Presidency Christmas Devotional... More change. And yesterday was a slow day at the VC... Only 2 presentations in 6 hours. That's typical, though. Last year was slow, too. Lot's of study time.

So... Yeah... That's my week. Missionary work all around. This week is going to by quickly, too. We have mission conference and Christmas parties and another VC performance. I can't wait to tell you all about it. You are all great. I love you!!!! Stay strong. Be courageous. Share the gospel!

LOVE YOU!!!

Sister Wilson

Pics...

1--Independence Stake Sisters... Plus my companionship-We're from KCMOZO!

2--This morning in freezing cold weather!

3--Sister Smith!

 

 

December 3 - part 2

So... I had to switch computers so I sent that last email super fast. I hope I didn't leave anything out. I did want to let you know that the VC has a ton of activities going on throughout the month. Lots of musical groups coming in to celebrate Christmas. Anyway, as visitor center sisters we will be performing twice. We've practicing our songs every night after the VC closes. We will also be playing a medley of songs on the bells. I really think we need to play the bells next year as a family; the kids (of all ages) would love it. Found out yesterday we will also be performing for the Independence stake tomorrow night. I still don't like being in the spotlight. Anyway, I'm counting on one of the Senior Elders recording it and giving me a copy so I can share it with each of you. We've worked hard on this.

Also, I wanted to send pictures. LOVE YOU!!

Sister Wilson

 

1--Dinner at the Maupin's (S. Weng didn't want me to be in the pic...)

 

2--Elder Wright and Elder Gleason... Check out his plate

 

 

3--This is Danyell's daughter, Kahlia. She is adorable! She is always wanting us to pick her up!

 

December 3

Hello, everyone! I hope you all had a fantastic holiday weekend.... Okay, sounds like Chuck-A-Rama flopped but sounds good otherwise. The best part is just being with family, I think. I'm looking forward to being with you all next year. It hasn't really felt like the holidays this year (A) because I'm not with you and (B) because the weather is so stinking good. It's almost 60 today. I'm really grateful for the fantastic Missouri weather. I don't think many people know how really great it is. So, yeah, it really didn't feel like Thanksgiving. I kept forgetting that it was. I even thought at one point about making breakfast rolls in the morning but completely forgot that the holiday was coming as fast as it was so I didn't do it. I think that was the biggest disappointment of the day; no sweet rolls.

Not too much new or exciting going on this week. Thursday (aka: turkey day) was good. We had dinner with the Maupin family. The Maupin's lived in the Fleming Park Ward and moved about a month before I was transferred, so I followed them around. It was actually kind of nice to be at a home where I know the people relatively well and feel comfortable just making myself at home. When we got there I just started digging through drawers to find the stuff we needed to set the table. It was great! I could actually serve without having to ask where/what I could do! Don't get that many opportunities.

Thursday night we were on shift at the VC. Last year, at the Liberty Jail, we had absolutely NO visitors. It was packed! There were lots of people with family in town so they came through after their turkey dinner. It was really great. I was able to stay awake because it was so busy. In fact, the entire week of Thanksgiving it was super busy. There was a BYU basketball tournament so we had all sorts of fans coming in while they were in town. I've had lots of people tell me that the VC and the Jail are both packed during the summer months but I don't believe them. I've never seen this place like they are describing.

Friday was a great day. We had a conference call with President Keyes and the assistants. It was our zone and one other zone. We learned a lot about finding and being prepared. I love conferences. I think the call inspired us because Friday night we found 3 new investigators. Fantastic! At one home we went to we ran into a man, Kenny, (who may or may not have had too much to drink) who kept talking about wanting to go home to Michigan. When he found out that Sister Weng was from Taiwan he kept telling her to go home. "Just go home, red. Go home." He made her give him knuckles and then twist it. It was really kind of funny. Add that to the less active we went to visit (and saw inside as we walked up to the house) who didn't answer the door but came out the garage door while we were still on his doorstep but didn't get in his car and drive away until AFTER we walked his direction..... Yep, funny night. These are things to remember.

Goodness, other than that it really has been a normal missionary week. I love the trio that I am in. I love the Sisters that I serve with at the VC. I love my housemates. I love the senior couples. I love Missouri. I am so grateful to be a missionary. To be able to help others come to Christ in the Lee's Summit 2nd Ward and at the VC is fantastic. I took a presentation with S. Medel the other day and one of the ladies told me that I was so smart and just made for doing this! I think she was referring to the public speaking part, oddly enough. Who knew that I would actually be okay with public speaking and singing? Man! The things I didn't realize I was signing up for as a missionary. I know I have become a better me. I know now that I was totally lacking self confidence and the ability to be who the Savior needed/wanted me to be. I know that, if nothing else, I have become my own convert on my mission. That I have learned who I am and who I want to become. I understand now what is important. You know, I never wanted to be one of those weird RM's when I got home but I'm afraid I will be. I'll need each and everyone of you to help me through that awkward phase... Ah.... Who am I kidding? I think awkward is the new me. Love it!

I love each and everyone of you and am so grateful for all you have done for me. Thank you, so much, for continuing to update me and let me know how life is on your side of things. I cannot express to you how much you have each individually blessed my life these last 11 transfers. I love you. Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love you. This gospel is true. I know it! Stay strong. Be courageous. Share the gospel. You are great. Lots of love and happy December 3rd. You are constantly in my thoughts and prayers.

Love,

Sister Wilson